The reviews for The Batman are officially in, and they are as strong as fans hoped. The movie is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 87% approval rating, the franchise’s highest since 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises.

The positive reviews for The Batman come as a relief, as the track record between Rotten Tomatoes and DC movies is largely hit or miss. For every film that’s praised, like James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, there’s one that’s panned, like Batman v Superman. But this isn’t the case today, and this score should take some pressure off The Batman’s release.

Critics generally like The Batman for its breathtaking atmosphere, compelling performances, and unique tone. The most ecstatic critics are calling it the finest Batman film to date, and most of them at least agree it’s a worthy successor to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Some critics though are not getting behind its tone and length, but that’s ok. The Batman is not going to be everyone’s taste, and the fact it’s trying something different at all is only a positive. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus reads: “A grim, gritty, and gripping super-noir, The Batman ranks among the Dark Knight’s bleakest – and most thrillingly ambitious – live-action outings.”

The Rotten Tomatoes track record for Batman movies is an interesting one. While the 1989 Tim Burton Batman film is considered a classic, its 72% on Rotten Tomatoes would suggest otherwise. Even Roger Ebert, largely considered the best movie critic in history, didn’t understand it at all and called it “a depressing experience.” Sometimes movies are just ahead of their time.

It’s important to remember that Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t really matter. Everyone has tastes that disagree with the consensus, it’s inevitable. The website even has a podcast titled “Rotten Tomatoes Is Wrong,” where they discuss the merits of controversial scores, so they’re aware of their flaws. But the one great function the site has is publicity. If something gets great reviews, people will see it for that reason alone. If The Batman finds more fans from this rating, that’s its own victory.

The one aspect that remains to be seen are the audience reactions. Will fans embrace this new version with open arms? Or will it be as divisive and controversial as Batman v Superman? Fans will make up their minds very soon, and this’ll be a very fun movie to talk about for the coming months.

The Batman releases in theaters on March 4th, 2022.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes